Coyaba River Garden and Museum and Mahoe Waterfalls
Shaw Park Estate, Shaw Park Ridge Road
Ocho Rios

This is a good stop for history and botanical buffs. A small but nice museum starts with pre-Columbian history and follows the development of the island. The real splendor of the attraction, however, lies in its beautiful gardens. Stroll through the gardens past natural springs and waterfalls. Small pools are filled with colorful koi as well as turtles.

The Museum: Starting with pre-Columbian history, displays follow the development of the island through the years. Special exhibits spotlight the “famous sons of St. Ann,” including Bob Marley and Marcus Garvey, while other recall the history of the region with facts such as Falmouth’s introduction of electricity, something achieved before the city of Philadelphia boasted electric power.

“A lot of people who come to Jamaica don’t get to see the real Jamaica,” explains Toni Allen, manager. “We’re a beautiful country but we also have a beautiful people and a beautiful history.”

The Gardens: The real splendor of this attraction lies in its beautiful gardens. Stroll past natural springs and waterfalls, where small pools are filled with colorful koi and turtles. Ginger lilies, silk cotton trees (which bloom only every seven years), Jamaican cedar, pimento, jade vines and bamboo fill the park that lies alongside the Milford River Head (with a daily flow of two million gallons).

The gardens also have small, self-contained accommodations. Especially well suited to couples, the charming rooms were constructed using bricks from Port Royal.

Admission: $5

For More Information:

• visit www.coyabagardens.com